NuWho Review: Series 5 Episode 13 "The Big Bang"

By: Steven Moffat

**Spoilers**

If you have not yet seen this episode, please go and do so before proceeding.

"Okay, kids. This is where it gets complicated."

As Emily said in her review of 'The Pandorica Opens', this series finale is just epic. The first part had all of the end-all-be-all-to-end-all feel that season finales should have while this second part takes all of the themes and twists them around into a mind-boggling timey-wimey plot that will leave you scratching your head in wonder for days after you watch it.

I say that in a good way, though, as this episode can be confusing, but it's not ever to the point that things actually start breaking down. This is one of those episodes that you really cannot watch casually. It is so complex and so well woven together that any plot hole is explained with a clever line and every plot contrivance is neatly and quickly tucked underneath an original idea. Not to mention every single loose end is tied up and new ones are laid down for the new season. It's just an incredible series finale.

And talk about 'everybody lives'! In fact, in this episode, some people come back to life who had been dead. Amy comes back. Rory is un-plastic-a-fied. Amy's parents return. The Doctor jumps into the void but is remembered back into existence. Really the only person who does not chance is River, who is as much of an enigma as ever.

Personally, I think my favorite scene of all time is where Amy wakes up in the museum and finds the story of the Lone Centurion. I just get chills every time I watch it and the emotions are so poignant and powerful after all that we've gone through with these two. Especially after the gut-wrenching end of 'The Pandorica Opens'. I always cheer whenever Rory comes in to save both Amy's from the reanimated dalek. Go Rory!

The Doctor is rewinding through his life after he jumps through the cracks is one of the most understated and sad scenes ever. He quietly says goodbye to Amelia (How does an actor as young at Matt Smith manage to look that ancient and weary?!) and then resigns himself to his fate because, quote, "I've seen enough." Looking at the end of 10's life, I don't blame him for not wanting to finish the rewind.

But the episode is not content to end on such a depressing note, instead giving us the much-longed-for wedding of Amy and Rory where Steven Moffat turns the old wedding rhyme into a vital clue that Amy uses to call The Doctor back from the void.

5/5